Swain Pools & Spas, Tallahassee FL

Our pool heater hadn't been started in quite a while and we wanted to use the pool during our upcoming holiday family visit. Jeff immediately determined all was not working quite right. The next day his team diagnosed the problem and ordered parts. In just a few days, the pool heater was back in action. They were prompt and polite, and kept me informed of problems and progress.

They don't come to Perry unless you give a $650 deposit. For new pool or repairs. That's what the store clerk told me. Which is a big commitment if you have never used them before. Travel costs are extra. I'm not using them. I just called the store for a general contractor. Nobody in Tallahassee will come to Perry for pool repair and won't say the reason.

The Swain crew installed my pool heater and plumbed in the new system. They were on time, very professional and the work looks perfect Both employees were polite, professional and worked hard the entire time they were on site. I could not have asked for a better experience. Swain Pools & Spas is now my go to for my pool needs.

After waiting 5 months for another Spa dealership to repair our hot tub, we called Swain and they got our hot tub up and running the very next week. Next time we will definitely go straight to Swain!

It's two stars instead of one star because they did fix the pool. But they charged over $1000 to fix one crack in the plastic stairs. Their trick is to tell you that the pool is dirty and they need to clean it first. Well we had cleaned it the day before, and it wasn't perfect because we had been losing inches of water daily and therefore couldn't keep chemicals balanced. But saying that it was green and they couldn't see the bottom was a bald faced lie. So they charge hundreds of dollars in labor and product to toss some chemicals in and brush it. They did come out quickly (we had been waiting nearly a month to hear back from Gulf Coast Leak Detection), but the price for the work was completely ridiculous. I would never recommend these guys unless you're filthy rich and just want something done quickly regardless of price.

Edit: Because it's the only way to respond, I'll edit. My domestic partner did schedule this repair, not me, but I am the homeowner, not a "roommate" (homophobic insinuation noted). The pool was not pond scum green. I agree the repair was done quickly, so that doesn't jive at all with the hours billed. They ask for a $1000 authorization up front then they bill to meet or exceed that price. In this case, we are disputing the charge based on fraudulent and non transparent billing practices, so no, my partner has not paid the extra $22 charged on top of the $1000 they require up front. We still want to renovate, but there's no way in hell we would hire Swain after this. They also left most of the supposed $200 worth of algaecide ditched in our backyard, and didn't even replace the filter baskets when they finished. I don't know what swain considers "functioning in a normal way" but apparently it is rolling over and allowing grifters to take advantage of you. I thought he was combative and rude within the first two minutes of meeting him so I let my partner deal with him from then on. You only have to read his responses to negative feedback to get an idea of how he is, so buyer beware. Also, lowered it to one star.

Swain Pools is a complete disaster. Crooks. I was warned against them by a fellow tradesman and they said I'd end up paying a 1000 for a pool cleaning due to shady billing practices that leave the customer in shock, and that is exactly what happened. I

Very bad experience. First, I specifically asked to be called before they came so I could explain what’s already been done to find the leak in my pool. They called from my driveway and I had to rush home. They charge a bunch up front, then came by an additional time when I was not home and did things I had told Mr. Swain had already been done. Another time he lamented about not being able to get a good day’s work out of his staff. When I asked what they were charging me, I got an invoice the next day and they had someone from their office call me the same day looking for payment. Highly insulting. I’ve never not paid a bill in my life, and this was a bill for work I didn’t need done! It was over $1100. The only think he did was a 10 minute fix on the Polaris. This is my third pool in three different cities over 25 years, by far the worst experience with a pool company.
RESPONSE TO SWAIN’s REPLY:
Note how each of Swain’s responses to negative reviews are defensive, and blame the customer. Never taking any responsibility, no desire to make it right, no apology, or consideration of the customer’s perspective. That should tell you something. There is not a single lie or misrepresentation in my review. They sent me an invoice for work done to date because I ASKED what the total to date was. And I asked because Swain kept showing up checking things I told him I already had checked. They emailed me an invoice the next day and their office called me demanding payment that night. All I asked was, “What’s the charge to date? ” And he interpreted that as me not wanting to pay. That should give you a clue that he gets into financial disputes with customers regularly. “Panties in a wad? ” Name calling? Really? ! What is this, junior high? Nice professionalism. And my wife was not happy with you, she was afraid of you. We just wanted you to go away. Potential customer: Proceed at your own risk. There are better companies out there.

Mr. Swain and his crew were fast to get out to perform and repair an issue on our sand filter. Also decided to install a heat pump.they did an awesome job, and it was very professionally done. Decided to go ahead and start using them for weekly cleaning and balancing so my equipment will last longer with proper care.

Great customer service and communication. Very knowledgeable technicians who identified, cleaned, and fixed pool filter system, and issues with pool light. When we determined the heat pump was really beyond repair, they rolled right into locating and installing a new one. The quality and function of the Pentair unit they installed was readily apparent. The crew cleaned up the entire site and the next day the pool was heated to 84 degrees. Sometimes things cost more than you expect but you get what you pay for and this team delivers! Highly recommend. EGR Tallahassee, FL. 6/2023.

I had my pool repaired. The staff was friendly, professional, and the finished product was excellent!

I had problems with products I got on Amazon that they don't even sell here. After trying to get things working on my own, I finally pulled in with my service dog & some odd parts I needed help with. I was frustrated and desperate enough they could have sold me expensive alternatives - but they welcomed my service dog, were friendly and spent time troubleshooting my issue. They SOLVED my issue and I am so appreciative! If you are in the market for a spa, their showroom is extensive and the service techs I saw coming in and out were smiling. That tells me it's a great atmosphere to work as well as shop and get service from.

Heather and the whole team at Swain have been great. Helped us decide on which spa would fit us best and had continued through the years to provide superior customer service.

My pump timers stopped working and I needed a diagnosis and whatever repairs were needed. I had a horrible time finding anyone to do the work until I called Swain Pools & Spa. Taylor, the person who took my call and information, was extremely professional, courteous, and helpful. I was put on the schedule right away and the service crew was out the next business day. They diagnosed the problem quickly and replaced the timers. Unfortunately, there was a problem with the repair and I didn't notice it until late the next day. I called their shop after hours and the young man who did the repair answered my call. He asked me to call the next day and schedule another appointment. I was fine with that solution, BUT.about 20 minutes later the owner, Jeff Swain, himself shows up at my door. Not only did he quickly diagnose and fix the problem, but he did some extra work not related to the original problem (no charge!), and gave me a bunch of information/advice about my pool. He spent at least 45 minutes at my house and was extremely personable, and of course an expert with the repair. I mean, talk about customer service! No wonder he's been in the business for 47 years! He's earned my business and if you need pool service, give Swain Pools and Spa a chance. I don't think you'll be dissatisfied.

Owner came out and did a thorough pool inspection on a new purchase. Very professional. Knew his profession well.